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Driving Costs
Unless you have access to someone else's vehicle, buying a car of your own is likely to be the most expensive part of getting on the road. However, it is not just the cost of your vehicle you need to consider.
Insurance
If you drive, you must be insured. Insurance compensates other drivers in case you have an accident. It is illegal to drive without it, and if you are caught you could get fined, penalty points on your licence or disqualified from driving. Insurance can be very expensive for young people, and also depends upon the type of car and size of the engine, so consider this before you buy a vehicle of your own.
There are many types of insurance, such as third party, third party fire and theft, and fully comprehensive (the most expensive). It is a good idea to shop around a number of companies to get a good deal, but make sure you ask what exactly you will be covered for.
MOT
Your car will need an MOT certificate if it is over three years old. This is to prove that it is safe for driving (you can't get insurance without it!). The car will need to be checked at an MOT approved garage every year. This will cost you money but you may have to pay more for repairs if your vehicle fails. Don't drive unless you have a valid certificate.
Road tax
Your car must also have a tax disc, which is displayed in the front windscreen. It is an offence not to have it on show, even if you have one. You can buy one from the post office or online. You must have:
A valid MOT certificate
A valid certificate of insurance
A valid V5 vehicle registration form, or the DVLA application form
Like the MOT it only lasts for a year. Don't drive without one. If you lose it, you can apply for another copy from the Post Office.
